One of UKIP's most senior members has been photographed giving an offensive hand gesture to protesters in Kent this weekend.

Janice Atkinson, who is the party's second-choice European candidate after leader Nigel Farage, was pictured giving a one-fingered salute to members of the People's Assembly in Ashford.

Tonight Ms Atkinson, speaking at UKIP's rally in Margate, said she 'was not proud' of the gesture, adding she had been upset at comments made by protesters about her party's members.

Janice Atkinson pictured by protesters in Ashford

She added: "I was angry that some of our supporters including pensioners were being called racist bigots and fascists. I got angry but I don't regret it.'

Green Party member Maria Pizzey, who has posted the rude gesture on her Facebook page, said she and a small group of activists held a peaceful protest near Ms Atkinson who was supporting UKIP's Norman Taylor in Ashford town centre.

Ms Pizzey claims Ms Atkinson, who switched from the Conservative party to stand for UKIP, told the group to 'f-off' when they stood with placards accusing UKIP of racist policies.

Ms Pizzey said: "She made personal comments about my body size and when I told her I would quote her widely she said "I don't care where you f***ing post this, just f**k off!"

UKIP leader Nigel Farage is a South East MEP

Ms Atkinson is second choice on UKIP's selected candidate list behind leader Nigel Farage. It means she will be elected if UKIP wins its predicted four or five seats in the South East in next Thursday's election.